Lillard is drawing a line between talent and experience.
He praised today’s young NBA players as more talented than ever, but argued that organizations are increasingly handing teenagers and early-20s players franchise keys before they’ve learned how to lead, sacrifice or respect the hierarchy of an NBA locker room.
His own rookie experience provides the contrast. Lillard entered the league in 2012 and described learning from veterans such as Mo Williams, Earl Watson and Jared Jeffries—even when those players weren’t necessarily major contributors on the court.
The biggest difference, according to Lillard, is the disappearance of that veteran presence.
His most controversial point may be the comparison to LeBron James. Lillard argued that some young players begin to view themselves as LeBron-level figures after making an All-Star team or receiving a max contract.
That creates an obvious question for today’s NBA:
Are young stars becoming entitled—or is the league simply recognizing elite talent faster than it did in previous generations?
“WHO’S RIGHT?” 🔥
Damian Lillard: Young players are incredibly talented, but many aren’t being taught that they have to earn respect, leadership status and control of a franchise.
The Other Side: The NBA has changed. Young players aren’t responsible for how teams structure contracts, roster building and leadership. If a 20-year-old is good enough to be a franchise player, why shouldn’t he receive the opportunity?
Your call:
👉 DAME IS RIGHT — Young stars need veteran guidance and should earn everything.
👉 NEW NBA — The league is simply evolving, and young talent deserves the keys when it’s good enough.
Do today’s young NBA stars get too much too soon?
